minority

American  

[mahy-nawr-i-tee, -nor, mi-] / maɪˈnɔr ɪ ti, -ˈnɒr, mɪ- /

noun

plural

minorities

1. the smaller part or number; a number, part, or amount forming less than half of the whole.

2. a smaller party or group opposed to a majority, as in voting or other action.

3. a group in society distinguished from, and less dominant than, the more numerous majority.

   The ethnic minority was disproportionately affected by the reduction in preventative medical services.

4. a racial, ethnic, religious, or social subdivision of a society that is subordinated in political, financial, or social power by the dominant group, without regard to the size of these groups.

   legislation aimed at providing equal rights for minorities.

5. a member of such a group.

6. the state or period of being under the legal age of full responsibility.

   Synonyms:

   girlhood, boyhood, childhood

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adjective

1. of or relating to a minority.

minority British  

/ mɪ-, maɪˈnɒrɪtɪ /

noun

1. the smaller in number of two parts, factions, or groups

2. a group that is different racially, politically, etc, from a larger group of which it is a part

3. 1. the state of being a minor

   2. the period during which a person is below legal age Compare majority

4. (modifier) relating to or being a minority

   a minority interest

   a minority opinion

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Other Word Forms

• nonminority adjective
• prominority adjective

Etymology

Origin of minority

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English, from Middle French minorité, from Medieval Latin minōritāt-, stem of minōritās; minor, -ity

Example Sentences

He accused a minority of peers of deliberate time-wasting, and urged them to "stop all this smoke and mirrors and focus on making the bill better".

From BBC

Following the briefing, Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, gave a brief statement, saying: "This is serious, and the administration has to make its case to the American people."

From BBC

American rapper Snoop Dogg is greeted by cheering fans as he attends a Swansea game for the first time since becoming a minority owner of the Welsh club.

From Barron's

American rapper Snoop was given an ecstatic welcome on Tuesday when he watched the Swans for the first time since becoming a minority owner of the Welsh club.

From Barron's

All student subgroups— including children of immigrants, racial minorities and those with parents without higher education — increased their passing rate in the last five years.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• opposition